LOVE was in the air at Thame Food Festival as one of the stall holders proposed to their partner with a celebrity chef watching the special moment.

Proprietor David Newman from Long Crendon’s Bucksum proposed to his partner Tracy Russell at the town centre event on Saturday and she said yes.

Fittingly, the couple met at the food festival four years ago, with David choosing this year’s as the perfect time to pop the question.

David said: "It had to be today as it was a very special occasion, we’re food lovers and we love it here in Thame."

Celebrity chef, Tom Kerridge, who runs Marlow's Hand and Flowers with his wife, Beth, was there to witness the proposal as he buys from the producer.

Tom was just one of the chefs who spoke at the popular event on the interview stage, as did Great British Bake Off's John Whaite and Edd Kimber.

Food writer Sophie Grigson, Ken Bruce, Raymond Blanc, Jonathan Phang and Giancarlo and Katie Caldesi were also interviewed on stage by Lotte Duncan, festival patron.

Some of them also did food demonstrations on the other stage, as did Adam Simmonds, David Mooney and Simon Brown.

More than 25,000 foodies travelled from far and wide join in, enjoying delicious local produce, inspiring cookery demos and a great day out.

More than 180 stalls lined the town centre from end to end serving up tasty local food and drink.

Lotte said: "What an amazing day – Thame Food Festival just gets bigger and better every year. Record crowds, wonderful weather and staggering support from everyone who took part meant a fantastic day for Thame and for the fantastic local and artisan produce the event showcases.

"We have so many great producers on our doorstep, who are passionate about what they do, and we were thrilled to see so many of them out in force at the festival. We are also truly blessed with the support we have from celebrity chefs who give their time for free to bring a day celebrating local food into the market town of Thame.

"We couldn’t do it without them, nor without the support of our generous sponsors Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, AGA, Rectory Homes, Wellers, South Oxfordshire District Council, The Thatch and Belazu, and we’d like to say a big thank you to all of them."

For more information go to www.thamefoodfestival.co.uk.